Meet the Quirkles, an Earth Day Giveaway!

If you know me in real life or have been a reader for awhile, then you know that I am a science teacher by trade. I've taught college zoology labs, 8th grade science at a junior high and most recently, taught high school biology (I took a leave of absence at the end of the 2010 school year). And, my husband (& college sweetheart) just so happens to have a PhD in immunobiology/microbiology-type stuff. Right now, he does research as a molecular biologist. Yes, we're all kinds of science-nerdy around here! :) 

So, with our love of science and Big Brother being preschool-age, learning letters & words, imagine my excitement when I discovered this:

Meet the Quirkles!

According to their website, "The Quirkles® are 26 imaginary scientists that help children everyday, all over the world, develop a love and appreciation for science. They offer a fresh new way to integrate literacy and science at school, for educational programs, or at home. Vocabulary builders, two related science experiments, and a character education lesson are also included in each of the 26 alphabet-series books. The Quirkles® create enthusiasm and excitement for reading and science through whimsical illustrations, alliteration of the specified letter, and fun hands-on science."

Seriously, how great does that sound?! A whole series devoted to promoting literacy & a love of science?! FANTASTIC!!!! I was not an elementary teacher, so honestly I am not as much of an expert in science content available for that age group. But, I've never seen anything like the Quirkles before!

We were thrilled to meet two of the Quirkles ourselves: 

 

Big Brother was excited to first read the "letter K" book as he called it. And, he loved it! The writers did a fantastic job with using alliteration and words containing the letter of the book. I love that Kitchen Chemistry Kal explains that there is much science in cooking! 
My favorite of the two though, and the one PERFECT for Earth Day, is "X.E. Ecology". Through the story, kids learn more about pollution, litter, and the importance of recycling. What an important topic for the kids to learn!
I love that at 4, Big Brother is able sit through the story, picking up on some of the letter repetition and some of the science concepts. Reading the stories prompts a lot of questions (a great skill for a scientist, right?!). Additionally though, I love that these stories can grow with him and I think they would still be great all the way up to middle elementary age!

With it being a sad truth that science lessons often get cut out of daily elementary lessons, I'm thrilled to see books aimed specifically at trying to combat that!

Would YOU like to meet the Quirkles? The fabulous creators are giving a free copy of "X.E. Ecology" to one lucky Mom Endeavors reader! 

 

*WINNER: Congrats lucky commenter #4!! :)

To Enter: Giveaway now closed! But, you can purchase your own fun Quirkles books by visiting their website!

1. Visit The Quirkles website and tell me what other Quirkle (letter) looks most interesting to you.

Get extra entries (leave a separate comment for each):

2. Like The Quirkles on Facebook &/or twitter 

3. Like Mom Endeavors on facebook &/or twitter and post or tweet about this giveaway

4. Follow Mom Endeavors on Google Friend Connect (see widget on the left side bar) 

if you already are, thank you, just make sure you leave a comment & let me know!

(up to 4 entries per person)

Limited to US residents only. Giveaway will end on May 3rd at 10pm PST. Winner with a valid entry will be selected at random using random.org. I will email the winner and they will have 48 hours to claim their prize (make sure you leave your email address or that it is attached to your profile.
Disclosure: I received the two books from The Quirkles in exchange for my honest review. All opinions and experiences are my own. For more information, read my disclosure policy.